A small group of Hoboken taxi drivers were outside City Hall yesterday, protesting city dispatchers who they say push business away from them.

The city-licensed drivers demanded stricter regulations of the actions by city dispatchers in dealing with commuters.

The dispatchers are "taking people from the big line waiting for taxis" and pushing potential business to shuttles and privately-owned vehicles, said Luis Campos, one of the 20-plus drivers who protested.

The shuttle system costs $1 compared to the $5 taxi rate.

"City Hall abuses us," protester Michael Monir said.

The cab drivers said they spend at least $700 a week just to lease the car, along with maintenance costs, and have seen a decline in their monthly salaries.

Any complaints about the taxis are directed to the city, said protester Israeil Ashraf. Communications Manager Juan Melli said he hasn't received any complaints from cab drivers prior to the protest, but regularly hears they don't follow the one-fare-at-a-time rule for Hoboken residents.

The Director of Transportation and Parking John Morgan met with the protesters to respond to their concerns.

Morgan told the group to have one representative fill out a formal complaint for the city to investigate.